Streaming vs Collecting: Why I’ll Always Keep My DVDs & Blu-rays
I’ve been a movie collector since the day I picked up my very first movie, Phenomenon. There was something special about holding that case, peeling off the plastic, and sliding the disc into the player. Back then, I loved receiving movies in the post from Play.com or finding one at the local store (when they still sold them regularly). Very few shops sell discs these days, it seems to be going the way of the Dodo and I for one am sad to see it happen.
Today, things have changed. Most people stream movies, out of habit and convenience. I myself have Prime, Disney+, and Netflix, and they’re undeniably very convenient. With just a few clicks you can pull up almost any film you want, except the one you really wanted to see now. (of course)
But here’s the thing: watching on a streaming service is not the same as watching on a Blu-ray. Not even close.
While you're here. I’ve also shared my own thoughts on this in Is 4K Blu-ray Worth the Hype or Should You Stick with Blu-ray? — a post all about whether the upgrade really makes sense for collectors.
The Loss in Streaming
No matter what they say, streaming still compresses the picture and sound. You lose detail in the shadows, the crispness of the image, and the depth of the audio mix. If you’ve invested in a good TV and sound system, you’ll notice the difference. Blu-ray, especially 4K, delivers a clarity and richness that streaming doesn't even come close to.
I’ve noticed it plenty of times myself. I’ll throw on a film from one of my subscription channels, something I also own on Blu-ray, and the sound is always flatter than I remember. Sometimes I put the disc in to check and it instantly has more punch, more balance. The difference between the two mediums is hard to ignore.
Subtitles, What Subtitles?
Then there’s the issue of subtitles. I tried watching Rise of the Planet of the Apes on one of the apps recently. I own the trilogy on Blu-ray, but that night I was too tired (and too lazy) to get the disc. Big mistake. Without forced subtitles, I couldn’t follow half the dialogue in certain scenes unless I turned on full subtitles. And I hate having those on unless it’s a foreign-language film.
Disney+ is especially guilty of this. Ever tried watching the show Mayans MC? There’s a lot of Spanish mixed in with the English, and unless you leave full subtitles on permanently, you’ll miss chunks of the story. Most discs, on the other hand, get this right. Forced subtitles kick in when they’re supposed to, and in my experience it’s rare to find one that doesn’t. I'm open to correction on this point.
Why I Still Collect
For me, owning a disc isn’t just about picture quality, it’s about permanence.
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Ownership: When you buy a disc, it’s yours. No subscription required, no risk of it disappearing because the platform lost the rights.
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Reliability: If the internet goes down (or the power, assuming you’ve got a backup source), your discs are still there. You also don’t have to worry about buffering or outages.
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Experience: Holding a film in your hands feels different. Browsing your own shelf has more soul than scrolling through an endless algorithm-driven menu.
Yes, discs can cost a bit more upfront, and they take up space. But for me, that’s part of the joy of collecting. They represent not just the movie itself but the moment I decided to add it to my collection.
Streaming Isn’t Going Away
I’m not blind to the convenience of streaming. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for discovering new films or having something to watch on the fly. It’s only going to grow, and for most people it will eventually replace discs entirely.
But not for me. I’ll always keep building my collection in the background. Streaming is fine for casual viewing, but if I want the full experience, the best sound, the cleanest image, and the satisfaction of knowing the film is really mine, I’ll reach for a Blu-ray.
Thanks for Reading,
David
💬 Have a thought on this? Please leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your take.
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About the Author
I’m David Condon, a movie enthusiast from Tralee, Co. Kerry. I’ve been collecting DVDs and Blu-rays for years, and along the way my shelves have become a mix of favourites, hidden gems, and titles I occasionally decide to resell.
I’m not a professional critic — just someone who enjoys good films, well-made discs, and the odd rant about the quirks of collecting. This blog is where I share my thoughts, opinions, reviews, and experiences as a fan.
💬 Note from the Author
This blog is a hobby project where I write about DVDs, Blu-rays, and the ups and downs of being a collector. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my other writing:
David Condon Finds – my lifestyle and review blog
David Condon Woodcraft – my main website focused on woodturning and handmade pieces
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